Do you remember this issue of Cottage Living?  It is from August 2008, and it is their annual list of best cottage communities.  Love the houses on the cover!

 

 

The cottage community featured on the cover is Serenbe, in Palmetto, Georgia, which is located 30 minutes outside of Atlanta.  Serenbe was founded by Steve and Marie Nygren while they were out on a Sunday drive.  They were living in Atlanta and took their daughter’s out for a drive to show them rural Georgia.  What started off as a weekend home, ended up becoming a bed and breakfast and then ultimately a 1,000 acre sustainable community.  Serenbe, which is a combination of “serenity” and “be”, was designed in the style of  an English countryside village.  The community consists of an organic farm and 3 restaurants all within a work/live/shop community.  The homes are a mix of architectural styles and all have front porches.  Then again, what would a cottage community be without front porches, right?  Here are a few photos from House Beautiful which featured Serenbe and the home of the founders, Steve and Marie.

 

 

 

4th of July parades get me every time.

 

This is the Blue Eyed Daisy Bakeshop.

 

 

 

And here are photos of the Nygren’s home.

 

You know I like white board and batten, but I like seeing it painted in other colors.

 

This kitchen is beautiful, isn’t it?  Marie is considered one of Atlanta’s top chef’s and wanted a personal kitchen that was reminiscent of a European kitchen.  The cabinetry is French oak.

 

 Notice the beautiful door.

 

This is their private courtyard.  So pretty.

 

 

Last year, they opened up a model for their “Nest Cottages” phase.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This was the only picture of the kitchen (don’t mind the people smiling at us).  I love the wall of windows and the gray back door.

 

Anyone going to Atlanta anytime soon?  Take a look at the Serenbe Inn…rates start at $230 a night….just in case your wondering!